At a glance: Seniors are valued as volunteers

Two girls wear dresses made by Faye Flowers. Photo provided by Feed The Children.

According to information from RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) of Central Oklahoma, older volunteers are valued for several reasons, including their:

• Experience, knowledge and skills

• Work ethic

• Loyalty and commitment to the organization's goals

• Efficiency

• Productivity

• People skills such as

empathy, courtesy, patience and helpfulness

• Maturity

Why volunteer?

RSVP noted a British study last decade followed more than 400 women for 30 years and found the volunteers fared better healthwise: 52 percent of nonvolunteers experienced a major illness, compared with only 36 percent of those who did volunteer.

Another study found a 44 percent reduction in early death among those who volunteered.

How to get started

RSVP of Central Oklahoma works with 125 nonprofits and serves as a placement agency for volunteers ages 55 and older.